Deadly Explosion Onboard Bulk Carrier Off Morocco Kills 7 Crew Members, Injures A Dozen

A deadly blast on the bulk carrier Toro Rosso led to the deaths of 7 crew and injured many others.

Authorities in Morocco are probing into the matter involving the 91,384 DWT bulker chartered by a company based in Ethiopia.

The incident occurred when the bulk carrier was near the Port of Jorf Lasfar and was proceeding to load phosphate fertilisers.

News of the explosions and engine room fire onboard the ship reached port authorities on the morning of May 30, 2024. Since it was 8 nm offshore, the rescue effort became complicated.

The bulk carrier, registered in Panama, was constructed in 1997 and began operating for the K-Line in the 1990s. It has exchanged hands several times over the years.

Its last repair and maintenance were in 2022, and according to reports, it was detained for safety reasons.

Per port authorities, 28 crew were onboard, mostly hailing from Syria. Three bodies were removed from the ship. A dozen severely burnt and injured were taken onshore by a pilot vessel.

Tugs and two helicopters also arrived at the scene to aid in the rescue effort.

Four crew members died of their injuries in the hospital, and atleast nine are undergoing treatment.

Jorf Lasfar is a significant port on Morocco’s Atlantic coast and a centre for phosphate, fertilisers and other chemicals. After the incident, port officials emphasised the strict safety protocol followed while handling dangerous cargo.

The reason for the explosion remains unknown for now, and an investigation is ongoing.

References: MSN, Maghress

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